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Idler And Pittman Arm

Shawn T

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Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

Posted
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Recently as some of you know, I have had some work done on my truck at the dearlership for other reasons. While on the lift the mechanic brought something else to my attention. I have some "slop" in my tie rod assembly. He showed me the movement and told me that I need an idler and pittman arm replacement. I find this to be true because for one thing a GM HD steering assembly is grossly undersized and junk in my book. I have owned 4 4x4 GM trucks with IFS and this has been a known problem. In fact I only have 49 k miles on it. Also, I have some "knocks" and feedback through the wheel when turning and encountering bumps that back this up. My first question is: If I replace the idler arm, do I have to replace the Pivot Bracket also? Can I tell if it's just one or the other, idler or pittman, or do I just replace them both? If I carefully replace them, not moving the wheels, can I just go on my way afterward or do I need an alignment also? This replacement looks to get pricey. I think I just traded my last truck when I was starting to get these symptoms.

04JJHD Enthusiast

04JJHD

Posted
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I did an idler arm in my 04, a cheap one from napa was like $50, and the guy said I would prolly be back in 20,000 miles but he had another one with a lifetime warrenty for $100 so if it lasts me 40,000 I'll be happy. I got 20,000 on it now and no problems. also get an alignment definatly after doing this

hockeypro1411 Senior Enthusiast

hockeypro1411

Posted
Posted

I scored Moog Pitman and Idler arms from NAPA for about $180 out the door. Both have lifetime warranties. They're not terribly hard to replace yourself if you have a puller. The only thing you need to know is if your Pitman arm is a 3 spline or 4 spline. I hear the 4 is much more common, but mine had 3. You shouldn't need an alignment because once the Pitman goes on (There's only 3 or 4 possible ways. It'll be obvious which one is right..) the idler can just pivot until it lines up. However, if you had the truck aligned recently, everything is aligned to those worn parts. Luckily I had a 6 month warranty on my alignment from the shop that did it, so I replaced the parts and took it in and cashed in on the warranty. :thumbs:

JoJoJim Enthusiast

JoJoJim

Posted
Posted

My 2001 with 155,000 is now ready for this repair. An alignment shop quoted me $450.00 to replace both parts plus an alignment. Don't know if this is reasonable price or not.

Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

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  • Author
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I have access to a ball joint puller/spreader and a lift so I will probably do it. I can get a new Moogs set at Autozone for about $199. Ok, with that I do not need a new Idler Pivot Bracket also?

04JJHD Enthusiast

04JJHD

Posted
Posted

6 month alignment warrenty huh? that sounds pretty good considering GM's can go outta wack fairly often. when you put the new pitman arm on just mark where the old one was

hockeypro1411 Senior Enthusiast

hockeypro1411

Posted
Posted
I have access to a ball joint puller/spreader and a lift so I will probably do it. I can get a new Moogs set at Autozone for about $199. Ok, with that I do not need a new Idler Pivot Bracket also?

 

Shouldn't need one unless the old one is messed up.

 

 

 

6 month alignment warrenty huh? that sounds pretty good considering GM's can go outta wack fairly often. when you put the new pitman arm on just mark where the old one was

 

Yep. Automatic 6 month, and for something like 70 bucks I could make it a year.

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